Chapter 103: First Volume, Chapter 103: I

First Volume, Chapter 103: I'll Show You a Clear Path

The ministers in the Grand Hall all understood clearly: Qin Tianhu was Minister of War, and perhaps he was skilled in military defense strategies, but raising military expenditure was a matter entirely outside his expertise.

Without even thinking, everyone knew the brilliant funding strategy that had delighted the Emperor must have been Qin Feng's creation; the reason it was attributed to Qin Tianhu was merely to help his father amass political capital.

For a moment, the ministers felt a mix of emotions, unsure whether to envy or resent.

It was said Qin Feng was the foremost of the Jingdu's Four Scourges, the most shameless wastrel among wastrels, and the wealthiest among the shameless—his infamous reputation spread far and wide.

But looking at Qin Feng before them, and recalling their own sons, they felt utterly outshone.

This funding strategy was like timely assistance in a snowstorm to the Liang Emperor; whether the credit belonged to Qin Feng or Qin Tianhu was irrelevant—after all, brothers fight tigers together, and father and son fight side by side; the Qin Family shared glory and ruin as one.

The Liang Emperor immediately waved his hand: "Issue my decree: reward Minister of War Qin Tianhu with five hundred bolts of brocade and ten thousand liang of white silver."

These rewards might not be substantial, but they were imperial gifts—meaning far beyond their material value.

Qin Tianhu was overwhelmed with astonishment and immediately knelt to bow: "Your Imperial Grace is boundless; your servant Qin Tianhu trembles with fear."

The Liang Emperor, as if he had acquired a priceless treasure, handed the funding strategy to Li Zhan and repeatedly warned him to safeguard it carefully, threatening to sever his head if there was the slightest mishap; then, before all civil and military officials, he announced loudly: "The war against the North Di is settled. Minister of War Qin Tianhu shall have full authority over it. Whoever dares obstruct this war shall be charged with treason!"

The Pro-War Faction officials were ecstatic; after months of pushing for this war, it was finally decided. All officials knelt and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

But everyone knew clearly: Qin Feng deserved the foremost credit for making this war possible.

As the court disbanded, the moment the ministers left Taihe Palace, they immediately surrounded Qin Tianhu, blocking all escape.

Flattering words poured in from every direction.

"Minister Qin is truly a tiger father with no dog son—if not for Qin Feng's brilliant debate against the Confucian Scholars, and if not for your submission of this funding strategy, the war against the North Di might have remained indefinitely delayed. Your servant is utterly awed."

"Hahaha! What a relief! I thought the Ministry of Revenue had brought in Cheng Yin and other Confucian Scholars—this war seemed hopeless. Yet, Young Master Qin single-handedly turned the tide and saved a collapsing house!"

"Congratulations, Minister! Honor to you! With you overseeing this war, it is both the blessing of Great Liang and the fortune of all its people."

Faced with such praise, even Qin Tianhu could not help but blush. He bowed politely to his colleagues while casting furtive glances at Qin Feng, who was aimlessly wandering far away, signaling him to hurry home—this was the Imperial Palace, and he must not draw trouble upon himself.

Little did he know, Qin Feng had zero interest in this so-called Imperial Palace.

As the saying goes: once you enter the palace gates, depth is like the sea; from then on, the beloved becomes a stranger. Such a place, devoid of human warmth, no matter how splendid or solemn, held no appeal for Qin Feng.

A golden nest, a silver nest—none compare to Qin Feng's own doghole.

But… come to think of it, the palace maids here were prettier one after another.

He had just solved a massive problem for Great Liang—yet the Liang Emperor hadn't even granted him a few palace maids as concubines. How outrageous!

Qin Feng walked with his hands behind his back, idly strolling toward the Palace Gate from Taihe Palace. Had anyone else—even a pillar minister—done this, they would already have been stopped by the Imperial Guard; even if their official rank spared them from harsh interrogation, they would still have been forcibly "invited" out of the palace.

But for Qin Feng, who wandered everywhere with no reverence for the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Guard could only fume silently.

After all, Qin Feng had just achieved great merit in the Imperial Court—angering him now would be like throwing oneself onto a spear.

The Imperial Guard didn't scold him; instead, they smiled warmly: "Young Master Qin, the Palace Gate is over there. If you don't know the way, your humble servant can guide you."

Qin Feng shrugged: "No need. I'm just strolling."

The Imperial Guard smiled, but inside cursed: What the hell are you strolling for?! Don't you know where you are?!

At that moment, a voice suddenly called out from behind.

"Young Master Qin, please wait."

Qin Feng turned and saw a fair-skinned, delicate-looking Confucian Scholar.

Wait… wasn't this guy the one who was loudly berating him among the Confucian Scholars just now? What now? Come to pick a fight?

The handsome Confucian Scholar hurried forward and, before Qin Feng could react, bowed deeply with a warm smile: "Young Master Qin, I am Lin Quqi. I offer my respects. Earlier in the Imperial Court, I merely held opposing political views and thus stood on the opposite side—I meant no personal offense against you."

"To be honest, I am from Jiangnan, far from the capital, so I was poorly informed. Only these past few days in Beijing have I heard of your poem 'Out of the Pass.' Upon hearing it, I was stunned—it was truly celestial! I am filled with admiration. In terms of poetic mastery, you are the greatest in all of Great Liang."

Qin Feng's mouth widened in disbelief. He had thought this fellow, having lost the debate, came to challenge him—he had already rolled up his sleeves—but now he was being lavishly praised, leaving Qin Feng both bewildered and embarrassed.

After staring blankly for a long while, Qin Feng finally snapped back, scratching the back of his head awkwardly: "Huh? The greatest poet? Am I really that good?"

Qin Feng had zero literary talent—all those masterpieces were copied. He was utterly unworthy of the title "greatest poet."

But this embarrassment, to Lin Quqi's eyes, appeared as humility.

Lin Quqi bowed with solemn respect: "Young Master Qin, your talent is immense. Your poem 'Out of the Pass' shook heaven and earth, your ingenious craftsmanship is divine, and your insights into statecraft today left me utterly awed. You are a true polymath. If I could attain even one ten-thousandth of your ability, I would benefit for life."

Enough, enough—stop right there!

Qin Feng secretly chuckled inside; if he kept going, Qin Feng's tail would be sticking straight up.

Qin Feng always loved flattery—who doesn't? His previously guarded, suspicious expression instantly softened into a warm smile: "Young Master Lin, you flatter me. If I ever visit Jiangnan, I shall certainly pay you a visit."

Upon hearing this, Lin Quqi's face darkened with discomfort: "I have come to Beijing and have no intention of leaving. First, for the imperial examinations. Though I have some modest reputation in Jiangnan, for a scholar, official service remains the highest ideal. Without an official post, life remains incomplete. Staying in Beijing makes future examinations more convenient."

"Second, with the North Di war looming, I wish to offer even a small contribution to Great Liang."

Qin Feng had had little interest in Lin Quqi until he heard this—his eyes instantly lit up: "If you truly wish to serve the nation, I'll show you a clear path."